President Greenwood presents letter of commendation to Dr. Keiki-Pua Dancil, advisory council coord.

HONOLULU – More than 340 national, local and community leaders attended a recent two-day symposium co-sponsored by the University of Hawai‘i and the National Academies, prestigious experts who advise the U.S. government in science, technology and economic policy. During the symposium, UH President M.R.C. Greenwood presented a draft report of recommendations on creating an innovation economy from the President’s Advisory Council on Hawai‘i Innovation and Technology Advancement .

Encouraging collaboration by integrating entrepreneurship into the university’s curriculum; and

Identifying four key areas to capitalize on commercialization opportunities for Hawai‘i, including Security and Sustainability: Energy and Agriculture, Data Analytics and Asian-Pacific Health.

Guest speakers with national and international reputations also made presentations that will help create a framework for change, innovation and collaboration between the university, the private sector, and state and federal agencies, and for executing the four recommendations of the advisory council.

“Innovation is a national priority and an essential driver of economic growth and future competitiveness,” said Greenwood. “The University of Hawai‘i has many successes in innovation and technology transfer, and we know we have the potential to build on those successes and create new opportunities to strengthen Hawai‘i’s economy.”

The complete report is accessible online at www.hawaii.edu/innovation. Public comment is welcome on the council’s recommendations, and feedback may be submitted by email to innovate@hawaii.edu. The deadline for feedback is February 1, 2011.

Greenwood said an implementation plan would be developed based on the feedback received.

Dr. Mary Walshok, Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Programs and Dean of Extended Studies, UC San Diego; and

Dr. Hank C.K. Wuh, CEO, Skai Ventures/Cellular Bioengineering, Inc.

Greenwood serves as the council’s convener, and Dr. Keiki-Pua Dancil, president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Science and Technology Institute, serves as the council’s coordinator. UH Vice President for Research James Gaines and UH Mānoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw serve as advisors to the council.